Indoor Activities: The Best Ones in Canada!

Sometimes, after doing a lot of outdoor activities in winter, we feel like doing something exciting indoors. It could be due to freezing temperatures or chilly weather, but your mind might not be up for the usual activities like skating, skiing, or hiking. Alternatively, you might just want a break from your routine and feel like doing something different but exciting indoors. This applies to all seasons, not just winter! I’ve tried to find some activities, whether sports or puzzles, that can be treated as indoor activities for kids. I believe most of them will be!

I’ve shared activities and places available in London, Ontario, but many cities, including Toronto, offer similar experiences that we often overlook. There should be little difference when we look for the best indoor activities in Toronto or any city in Ontario because all of them offer something similar and equally fun. So if you’re looking for indoor activities near you and want to have some indoor fun, this post should be helpful—these activities are suitable for both kids and adults!

Escape Room:

If you’re looking for an exciting one-hour challenge to solve a mystery and escape a locked room, an escape room is a top choice. You will be given a scenario—like trying to escape a haunted castle before a ghost catches you or working as a scientist to figure out who created a dangerous gas. Maybe you’ll even find yourself as a detective solving a murder on a train! The storylines are always thrilling, and you can choose which room to attempt. You have one hour to escape. A referee will be available, and if you need hints, you can ask. However, I recommend trying to solve it yourself—it’s more fun that way! This activity is great for families or friends, and while there is no limit, I think 4-5 people is ideal for solving the mystery comfortably. The rooms vary in type, and you can choose based on availability. I suggest booking online, as it can get busy. Each person needs to contribute equally, and the game usually lasts one hour. If you don’t solve the mystery, the referee will explain the solution at the end, and you can take a photo to remember the experience. Everything will be explained by the referee before the game. During the game, if you need hints, you can tap a button inside the room, and a screen will display them. You’re also allowed to go to the bathroom during the game.

• Escapology: https://www.escapology.com/en/london-canada
• Ichabod’s Escape: https://ichabodsescape.com/

8-Ball/9-Ball Pool:

Whether you’re aiming to improve your game or playing just for fun, pool is an exciting way to spend time with friends and family. You can rent a table by the hour, usually for about $20, and enjoy some pizza or a snack. There are a few places to play pool, and I’ve listed some options below.

• REC Room: https://www.therecroom.com/locations
  This place also has different events, arcade games, bowling, and many other recreational games. If pool isn’t your thing, you can choose from a variety of activities at one location. There are other similar places, linked below.

Ping Pong (Table Tennis):

Table tennis is a lot of fun and can be played at several locations, including the ones listed below. If you’re thinking about playing ping pong, I recommend trying the options mentioned here. A few of these places have automated messages stating that play is on a first-come, first-served basis, so you can’t reserve a spot. At Western University’s Rec Center, it’s better to just go and pay for a one-day ticket if you want to play. It might be pricier compared to other places.

• Palasad Social Bowl: https://www.socialbowl.ca/
• Palasad South: https://www.palasad.com/home/
• UWO Recreational Center: https://www.uwo.ca/campusrec/index.html

Badminton:

Badminton is a great sport to keep active and mentally refreshed. A few places where you can play badminton are listed below:

• UWO Recreational Center: https://www.uwo.ca/campusrec/index.html
• London Badminton: https://londonbadminton.ca
  Drop-ins are available at different schools, and the schedule is provided on the website.
• Ascend Badminton: https://ascendbadminton.com/
  Drop-ins are available.

Bowling:

Bowling is a great game, and you can find bowling alleys at places like Palasad and REC Room. However, most of these only have large bowling balls, which can be challenging for kids and older adults to use. I found a place that offers smaller pinballs, which is much more kid-friendly. Smaller pinballs make the game easier and more fun for younger players! Adults can also enjoy a lighter version of bowling—sometimes you just don’t feel like lifting those heavy bowling balls! I’ve provided the link below.

• Fleetway: https://fleetwayfun.com/

Hopefully, this post will guide you to your next indoor adventure and help you have the most fun while enjoying it!